While the grass may be starting to green in the lower Midwest, the upper Midwest is still experiencing winter in the Arrowhead of Minnesota, northern Wisconsin, and Michigan's UP and northern Lower Peninsula. Many of the ski resorts located across this northern stretch of the Great Lakes remain open into April.

Don't put the ski and snowboard equipment away just yet. Spring skiing and riding is some of the best of the season. It's been a long, cold winter with wind chills as well as actual temps well below zero at times. Spring brings warmer, longer days and soft snow. It's just pleasant to be outdoors this time of year, not to mention you get some great snow time.

Another plus is that crowds are often less this time of year. It will be just you and like-minded veterans that truly enjoy skiing and riding until the snow is gone or the area closes for the season.